Innuendo: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when wanting to allude to something sexually suggestive or inappropriate without stating it directly. Usually has a negative or cheeky connotation.

• His comments were filled with inappropriate innuendo

Appropriate when subtly implying something that is usually negative or hurtful. Often used to suggest doubt or mistrust.

• He made an insinuation about her loyalty that upset everyone

Used when suggesting something indirectly, often referring to broader consequences or meanings. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the context.

• The politician's speech had an implication that taxes might increase

Appropriate when providing a subtle suggestion or clue. It is often used in everyday conversations and has a neutral or positive connotation.

• She gave me a hint about my surprise birthday party

Use when you want to imply something subtly, often indirectly hinting at a deeper meaning or criticism. It can be either sexual or non-sexual.

• The politician's speech was filled with innuendo about his opponent's past.
• She used an innuendo to suggest that he wasn't telling the whole truth.

Used when making a statement that hints at something, often sexually, without explicitly saying it. This can be used humorously or to elicit a reaction.

• His suggestive remark about their 'late night meetings' had everyone laughing.
• She made a suggestive remark about the new guy, raising a few eyebrows.

Best used when a statement can be interpreted in two different ways, often one being innocuous and the other having a sexual or risqué meaning.

• The comedian's joke was a clever double entendre that had the audience laughing for different reasons.
• His phrase about 'handling big equipment’ was clearly a double entendre.

Use when you want to clearly indicate that the implied meaning is sexual. It often carries a negative or inappropriate connotation.

• Her comment about his 'big hands' was a sexual insinuation that made everyone uncomfortable.
• The ad was criticized for its blatant sexual insinuation.